Southern California Close-Ups: The Coachella Valley

The concrete Tyrannosaurus rex at Cabazon known as, of course, Rex.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

On the way into Palm Springs, stop at the Palm Springs Visitors Center (formerly the Tramway Gas Station) and marvel at its midcentury modernity.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Dusk on South Palm Canyon Drive at Tahquitz Canyon Way. The Plaza Theatre, at left, is home to the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Merchandise at the Not Neutral shop in the Uptown Design District, a formerly grim stretch of Palm Springs’ North Palm Canyon Drive now humming with stylish design shops and galleries.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Toasting time at Trio restaurant in Palm Springs.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Cheeky’s restaurant, a popular spot for breakfast or lunch, on North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The Del Marcos Hotel, one of Palm Springs’ many stylish midcentury modern structures, is near the heart of it all in downtown Palm Springs.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

In 10 minutes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks riders up the steep, rocky slopes of Mt. San Jacinto from 2,643 feet above sea level to 8,516 feet. At top, take in the view, hike or grab a bite.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The 26-foot-high “Forever Marilyn” statue by Seward Johnson returns to Palm Springs in April   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A room in the Alcazar hotel in Palm Springs.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Come morning, the two Palm Springs locations of Koffi tend to hum with activity -- but friends usually can find a quiet spot to hang out.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Palm Canyon’s floor is shaded by some of the few native palm trees in all of Southern California. It’s on land owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times )

Hummingbirds congregate at a bird feeder by the Palm Canyon Trading Post.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Guests enjoy a hot tub at the hipster-friendly Ace Hotel, a former Howard Johnson, in Palm Springs.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Tinto restaurant at the Saguaro hotel in Palm Springs.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Hotel California, on East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, markets a romantic environment.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A B-17 bomber at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum is known for its colorful collection of World War II aircraft.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

In addition to its extensive cactus and succulent gardens, the Living Desert in Palm Desert has a large collection of animals, including giraffes, camels and bighorn sheep.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times )

At the massive JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, the water features (and two golf courses) seem to go on for miles. The hotel also has real pink flamingos near the entrance.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Sunnylands, in Rancho Mirage, was home to TV Guide mogul and philanthropist Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. Since February, nine acres of its gardens, as well as a handsome visitors center, have been open to the public for free, Thursdays-Sundays. Tai chi teacher Lea Sherman, left, makes use of the lawn to practice with Ruth Gazda.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Cactuses in the Sunnylands garden.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Shields Date Garden in Indio dates to 1924. Saunter up to the counter for a date shake ($4.25) and duck into the theater in back for the free video on the sex life of the date and the history of Shields.